Picture this: you’re getting married in an intimate ceremony on a beach in Florida.
The sun is shining and the waves are crashing as you exchange your vows with the one you love.
After saying “I do,” you and your new spouse take a romantic stroll down the beach hand-in-hand, enjoying the sounds and sights of this beautiful place.
If this sounds like your dream wedding, then read on for information on how to make it happen!
Weddings in Florida: What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a sunny destination for your wedding, Florida is the perfect place.
With its beautiful beaches and warm weather, Florida is a popular choice for couples tying the knot.
There are plenty of stunning locations to choose from, whether you want a waterfront ceremony or a more traditional church wedding.
And with its convenient location, Florida is easy to get to for guests from all over the United States, but also for people coming from abroad.
Whether you’re dreaming of a beachside ceremony or a reception under the stars, Florida has everything you need to make your wedding day truly unforgettable.
But first: you need to know where in the world Florida is…
Where is Florida?
You may find Florida in the southeast of the United States. It is the only state that borders both the Gulf of Mexico (west) and the Atlantic Ocean (east).
Florida’s land border is with Georgia on the east, and Alabama in the northwest. The island of Bimini in the Bahamas is the closest foreign territory, located about 50 miles (80 km) east of the state’s southernmost point.
It consists of a peninsula and adjacent mainland territories.
Area: 65,757 sq mi (170,311 sq km). Population: (2020) 21,538,187. Capital: Tallahassee.
Florida Facts To Know:
- Language: English
- Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
- Airports: Miami International Airport (MIA), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- Official Tourism Website: https://www.visitflorida.com/
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Florida for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Florida
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Florida:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Florida or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a Florida wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Florida:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Florida
Florida Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Florida:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Florida?
- What are the marriage requirements for Florida?
- What is the weather like in Florida?
- What should you pack for a trip to Florida?
- What things are there to do in Florida?
- What are the best Florida wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Florida Cost?
The cost of a marriage license in the state of Florida is $86.00.
The cost is lowered to $61 if both parties are residents of Florida and have shown evidence of participation at a premarital education course given by a recognized provider.
Both parties must present proof of identity – a picture ID like a driver’s license, state ID card, or valid passport; both parties will also have to provide their Social Security numbers, but do not need to provide their Social Security Cards.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Florida
Individuals seeking a marriage license must be at least 18 years old.
There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in the United States, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
Although passports are generally recognized as valid forms of identification, some locations may require that you also provide a certified copy of your birth certificate to verify that the participants are of legal age to marry.
To discover the local marriage requirements contact the county clerk’s office where you intend to marry to find out specific details.
However, before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
To summarize, this is what you need to get married in Florida:
- A photo ID for each applicant, such as a driver’s license, state identification card, or passport. Some states require a birth certificate (translated into English).
- A valid marriage license that was issued within the same state and county of your wedding.
- One or two witnesses with valid photo IDs. The number of witnesses needed will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Be sure to inquire and confirm in advance.
- If your home country is a member of the Hague Convention, it has agreed to recognize the public documents of other member countries when the papers are attached to an apostille. Once you return home you might be required to sign an official document.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
What Is The Weather Like in Florida?
Between the months of December and April, South Florida and Miami provide pleasant weather and less crowds than at any other time of year.
In the winter, Miami is unquestionably the warmest and most protected location in the United States, with many sunny days; yet, even here, there may be chilly and windy weather, as well as occasional rain.
What should you pack for your trip?
Travel essentials for Florida include swimming suits, sunglasses, appropriate clothing and sandals.
Florida Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Florida:
Average Temperatures in Florida
The table below shows the average temperatures in Florida each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | 9.7 | 22.1 | 15.9 | 49 | 72 | 60.6 |
| February | 11.3 | 23.8 | 17.6 | 52 | 75 | 63.6 |
| March | 13.2 | 26.1 | 19.6 | 56 | 79 | 67.4 |
| April | 15.9 | 28.7 | 22.3 | 61 | 84 | 72.1 |
| May | 19.1 | 31.3 | 25.2 | 66 | 88 | 77.4 |
| June | 22 | 32.7 | 27.3 | 72 | 91 | 81.2 |
| July | 22.9 | 33.3 | 28.1 | 73 | 92 | 82.6 |
| August | 23.2 | 33.1 | 28.1 | 74 | 92 | 82.7 |
| September | 22.4 | 32 | 27.2 | 72 | 90 | 81 |
| October | 19 | 29.3 | 24.1 | 72 | 90 | 81 |
| November | 14.6 | 25.7 | 20.1 | 58 | 78 | 68.3 |
| December | 11.6 | 23.2 | 17.4 | 53 | 74 | 63.3 |
| Year | 17.1 | 28.5 | 22.75 | 62.8 | 83.2 | 73 |
Average Rainfall in Florida
The table below shows the average rainfall in Florida each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 65 | 2.6 | 7 |
| February | 50 | 2 | 6 |
| March | 75 | 3 | 7 |
| April | 65 | 2.6 | 6 |
| May | 100 | 3.9 | 8 |
| June | 205 | 8.1 | 16 |
| July | 190 | 7.5 | 17 |
| August | 195 | 7.7 | 17 |
| September | 160 | 6.3 | 14 |
| October | 90 | 3.5 | 8 |
| November | 45 | 1.8 | 6 |
| December | 65 | 2.6 | 7 |
| Year | 1305 | 51.4 | 121 |
Sunshine Hours in Florida
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Florida each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 8 | 250 |
| February | 8.5 | 245 |
| March | 9.5 | 295 |
| April | 9.5 | 290 |
| May | 9 | 280 |
| June | 9.5 | 280 |
| July | 9.5 | 295 |
| August | 9 | 280 |
| September | 8.5 | 250 |
| October | 8 | 245 |
| November | 7.5 | 220 |
| December | 7.5 | 230 |
| Year | 8.7 | 3160 |
Sea Temperatures in Florida
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Florida each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 23.5 | 75 |
| February | 23.5 | 74 |
| March | 24 | 75 |
| April | 25 | 77 |
| May | 27 | 80 |
| June | 28.5 | 84 |
| July | 29.5 | 85 |
| August | 30 | 86 |
| September | 29.5 | 85 |
| October | 28 | 83 |
| November | 26 | 79 |
| December | 25 | 77 |
| Year | 26.7 | 80 |
What To Wear in Florida? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Florida so that you can make the most of your time there.
- Pack for the heat: The state is known for its hot, humid weather, so it’s important to pack light, airy clothing that will keep you cool.
- It’s also a good idea to pack sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the sun.
- Comfortable walking shoes for any exploring or sightseeing you might be doing
- Insect repellent.
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
- Beachwear: Pack your swimsuit, beach towel, and any other beach gear you need.
- Camera: If you’re planning on doing any sightseeing, don’t forget to pack your camera.
- Passport: And, of course, don’t forget your valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Finally, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
Things to Do in Florida
There are many different things to do in Florida, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- The Ringling
- Naples Botanical Garden
- St. Augustine Distillery
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Wynwood Walls
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Playalinda Beach
- The City of Miami
Best Florida Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Florida?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Florida
- Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami
- JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
- Casa Monica Resort & Spa in St. Augustine
- Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West
- Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales
- Key Largo Lighthouse
- Ancient Spanish Monastery, North Miami Beach
Hotels in Florida
- Homewood Suites By Hilton Orlando Flamingo Crossings, Fl
- Ameniti Bay – Best Western Signature Collection (Sarasota)
- Hotel Effie Sandestin (Destin)
- Retreat at Crystal Manatee (Crystal River)
- The Saint Hotel (St Pete Beach)
